Israeli food-tech startup Finally Foods has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation—genetically engineered potatoes capable of producing real cow-milk protein. This revolutionary development could transform dairy production, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional livestock farming.
Set to begin its first field trial near the Gaza border, Finally Foods aims to extract casein protein powder from these modified potatoes. Casein, a key component in dairy products, is essential for cheese-making and provides the texture and functionality of traditional dairy.
By leveraging AI-driven genetic engineering from Israeli biotech firm Evogene, researchers have successfully embedded cow-milk protein-producing genes into potatoes, turning them into biological factories. Unlike fermentation-based dairy alternatives, this approach is scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly—reducing land, water, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional dairy farming.
Potatoes were chosen due to their high yield and easy protein extraction, making them an ideal crop for sustainable dairy protein production. The startup sees this innovation as a crucial step toward addressing global food security and climate challenges.
As Finally Foods moves forward with its trials, this pioneering technology could pave the way for plant-based dairy proteins that perfectly mimic traditional dairy—without the need for cows.
Reference: YnetNews